BIKES of all shapes and sizes descended on the centre of Calne over the weekend as the annual Calne Bike Meet got well and truly underway.

Thousands of bikers young and old took to the town to celebrate the annual event, which is hailed as Europe’s biggest free bike meet.

“What a day it was,” Calne Bike Meet committee member Desmond Bye said. “The day was absolutely fantastic and the weather held out.

“There was a fantastic array of bikes on display and the feedback we have been getting is incredible. This is not like a normal bike festival - it is family orientated bike festival and one that everyone can enjoy.

“A huge thank you needs to be said to everyone involved from the marshals, the clean up crew and the lovely people of Calne.”

As well as activities in the centre of Calne, the meet also played host to a number of bands, stallholders and entertainers, who helped create a unique atmosphere in the town. Money raised on the day will also be split between the Freewheelers, Julia’s House and the Calne Youth Trust.

Despite the success of this year’s meet, the committee are calling upon their supporters for help. If they do not get enough volunteers next year, the success of the festival may be at risk.

Mr Bye said: “We took the festival on in 2013 and the committee have slowly dropped off. People are getting older, families are changing or moving and so there are only ten of us left.

“We were forced to stop camping last year and if we want to see that make a return, we need more volunteers. If we don’t get people to come and help us, there might not be a Calne Bike Meet in the future.”

Anyone interested in volunteering is invited to the Calne Bike Meet’s annual general meeting at the White Hart Hotel from 7.30pm on Wednesday, September 13.